Chance Encounters
Chapter 35
oOoOo
Stephanie's POV
Without knowing for sure, I think he has the capacity to ruin me for all other men and since we met I've been playing, poking and prodding and, yes, I've been pulling the tiger's tail. Okay, call it what it is, downright flirting. But I kissed him first! Not the conventional order when you meet someone for the first time, I know. Now don't get me wrong. I am not a cock teaser. But this man, this stunning specimen of masculinity personified, just gets my hormones rampaging.
From first sight. That first chance encounter. I didn't mean to do it. It was just the circumstances. I didn't even think it through. It was one of those completely spontaneous things. Once I zeroed in on that gorgeous man with the warm chocolaty brown eyes and those luscious lips, my mind was made up in an instant. "You'll do perfectly. Kiss me! Now!" That's what I said and he didn't even hesitate as I forcefully grabbed his tight black t-shirt. I kissed him fiercely and, like a good soldier, he obeyed my command full throttle and kissed me back just as strongly. Wow! Am I sorry? Hell no! No regrets. Nope. Mm-mm. Man, could he kiss. I almost swooned but I was still running high on adrenaline after my car going KABOOM and all. But then that adrenaline morphed lustfully from the impact he had on me when he responded to my kiss-me-now command. Wow! I hadn't been kissed like that in a long time. My lips were tingling. In fact, I don't recall ever being kissed like that. I just wanted to melt into his arms.
I have a distinct feeling, that he's the sort of man who likes to take command and control. He already has that air of authority about him. But I seem to have caught him unawares. Me taking the initiative surprised him, but I really think he also liked it. I am no damsel in distress. Then, since that first encounter, I see that he is the commander, the boss. He and his men are all military, and very honourable men too. Nice for a change. Especially around here.
Shit! Did I really touch him up? Omigod. Shaking my head. I have to confess that I did notice how hard his body was. Yeah, his body was rock hard and, oh so fine. Those ripped abs. Yes, I did rub them. Jeez. And, I saw those biceps, mighty fine biceps under that skin-tight black t-shirt. I really like biceps. But as I checked him out, he also did the same. Then that dazzling smile. That was a winner. God, he was gorgeous, the full package. Handsome didn't even cover it.
The only problem with that glorious encounter was bloody Morelli. Well, to be honest, it was because of Morelli that I grabbed that gorgeous man's t-shirt. I needed a diversion and there he was, right where I needed him. I was the opportunist. Mmm. But stupid Morelli wouldn't leave me be. He had the audacity to call me his girlfriend. Eeuw! No thank you. After what he did to me? And then he blabs it all, in front of my new acquaintances. Calling them me a whore and them thugs. Too much information, Morelli. I was far too angry to be embarrassed. Oh well. It is what it is. And that saga of my life I had put behind me. He just likes to muck rake when he can. Consequently, I nailed him right in his precious 'boys'.
And then I noticed that all of Ranger's friends, who work for the same company, were also built. Mighty fine. I have never seen so much attractive masculinity altogether, but this guy, Ranger, he was the epitome of masculinity. They were military men and then I understood when I saw mi hermano, Hector. He said he worked now for a long-time friend, who used to be in the army, and was in the process of establishing a security business … Ranger. What are the chances? Hector was already involved in the preliminary IT and computer features for that company. And that's how I got to meet Manuel.
Even though I had only just encountered him and his friends, just by chance as it was, he instantly made me feel safe and protected. My gut instinct, my 'spidey sense' told me, to trust him, and his men too. I am usually a good judge of character and I felt justified with that. With Hector, too, and Shorty, and Tiny, and Cal. And now Ranger, too. How lucky am I?
Ranger noticed my denim jacket was stained with blood. Once again, adrenaline and focus on getting my skip Marty sorted, had taken over. Maybe also my traitorous rampaging hormones. Ranger and Hector called me over, and Bobby fixed me up. I could see the concern on all their faces when Bobby inspected my wounds and they covered me from anyone in the TPD carpark. It was an unspoken protective manoeuvre. Amazing. I know he was liking my tank top and what was written on it. He smiled hugely when I showed him the rest of my knives. Ha! That sure did surprise him. He was deliberately distracting me. And it's funny, you know, I didn't feel uncomfortable as Bobby cut my tank top away and treated the wounds. I felt safe. Ranger grabbing both my hands was nice, really nice, and caring. His eyes inspected my rose tattoo and then he briefly glanced at the butterflies while I explained about Shorty's. His eyes widened ever so slightly. Yep. He noticed the scars, but he didn't say anything. What amazed me was the utter respect they all showed when I was almost topless. That just blew me away. There was nothing creepy or leery, just total respect. That also reaffirmed how honourable these men were.
Lunch at Shorty's was so much fun, after they helped me with my lack of transport and all. It was happy and comfortable, and so delicious. But that soon changed. I blame it all on my Cara mio, Shorty. Their reaction to my joy of eating was funny, especially when he brought out my favourite, a special cheesy meatball sub. Ranger's eyes said it all, and I noticed they all looked a bit strained, and adjusted themselves. What? I can't help it. I was too busy enjoying the sumptuous flavour sensations. When I offered him a teasing taste, he called my bluff. His eyes darkened to a lusty black and when he licked my finger in the process, I thought I would almost self-combust right beside him. Wow. So, I got him back and swiped that bit of sauce from the corner of his lips, and slowly and deliberately licked my finger in return. Okay, I admit it, I was playing and pulling the tiger's tail. It was so much fun. Something about this man made me feel so … sexy, desired and, yes maybe a bit horny. Yes, there was lust. Can you have lust at first sight? We smiled a lot at each other and made a lot of eye contact, while we enjoyed the rest of our meal, not unnoticed by his men.
Somehow, in that total time frame from the kiss-me-now encounter to Shorty's lunch, they knew my life story. Jeez. Yeah. Thanks to Morelli's not so discreet disclosures initially, and then filling in the spaces while we enjoyed the pizzas. I know they didn't want to pry, but they were also curious and quite perplexed, but politely gave me the option. So, I put it in context. But when I divulged the Buick encounter with Morelli's legs, well, they lost it. Seeing grown men like these, Shorty included, laughing hysterically, was so good. It was also kind of cleansing. Yes, very cathartic. It's a chapter of my life which I rarely share, but it was fun watching their spontaneous reactions. I liked these guys more and more with each minute I spent with them.
And then Shorty did it again, with the tiramisu! Oh, that was a luscious dessert and I had these poor men in a state again. I love my food. Especially dessert. I think Ranger was ready to jump my bones.
Meeting for lunch at Rangeman a couple of days later made me really curious. It was an impressive set up. Bobby removed my stitches and I had asked Ranger to stay when Hector had to take a call. He made to turn around. Such a gentleman. He'd already seen me without the tank top, so it was no biggie. In the lunch room, probably a conference room, after a nice lunch, he presented me with two denim jackets, my old one repaired so neatly, and a new one. And, he found that black tank top, the one Bobby had to cut off me, which I know he liked, as they all liked my army camo green one too. So thoughtful.
And then he touched my rose tattoo, very gently and reverently. Omigod. I was surprised but not offended as he apologised. It sent a zing throughout my body, nestling warmly in my doodah. The look of concern mixed with genuine respect really put me at ease. "A badge of honour," he said. Hm. Never thought of my scars like that before. Hector and Manny implied much the same. "Decorate them and wear them with pride," Manny had said.
Lester was then questioning, as in thinking out loud, if I had anymore tattoos. I tried not to give it away but he guessed right, "On your cute little ass?" he asked hopefully. I really enjoyed messing with him. Cheeky, he was, but I gave him, and the others, Ranger included, something to add to their spank bank. I ended up telling them more of my life story coming back to Trenton, as a Bond Enforcement Agent after I worked for EE Martin before the Feds sorted them out. Once again Lester with the fixation on lingerie and then my other tattoo, was curious as hell. It was so much fun, not uncomfortable in a leery way as it could have been, but a happy teasing banter. He was so easy. I enjoyed that, especially when I winked at Ranger, letting him know that he would get a chance to see it. His eyes told me everything. He liked that idea a lot. And Hector saying he'd seen it. Omigod, the looks of envy. I was really enjoying the company of these men.
Meeting Ranger to discuss my apartment changes with moving out and setting it up security for my Grandma, was my second visit to Rangeman. My, oh my! Coming onto the fifth floor and seeing the rest of the Rangeman guys was … like wow. Nice eye candy for sure. I have never been a woman who objectifies men, but these men were so hunky. I couldn't help it and they checked me out too.
Later, in his office, I couldn't resist the double entendre in asking Ranger, "Can you be my number one?" His eyes went dark again. Yep, he got that too, the implied innuendo. God, he had great hands as he rubbed in that pawpaw cream. Seeing my butterfly tattoos up close again, he silently asked permission with his eyes to touch them, feeling the scar and admiring the swirls and the word SPIRIT inscribed amongst them. It was a tantalising moment, just the two of us, so intimate but respectful. We were both caught in the moment. I explained how close the knife came and we both pondered the what ifs. Then him saying, "Anytime you want me to be your number one," had my insides squealing with delight. He said it in such a sexy manner, and meant it too. Oh boy. My hormones were jumping for joy!
Me taking over the meeting, explaining my needs with the apartment, made him smile, but not obviously. Then Ella arrives with the tea trolley. Another curve ball for him and these guys. The look of bewilderment was very apparent, and Ella loved that too. She had told me about her 'big boys', and her handsome nephew at the Whole Foods Market where we met. Ranger was surprised at how so many of my encounters came into his domain. So was I for that matter.
Getting Grandma settled in was smooth with all their help. I had to reprimand her for being too handsy. Poor Ranger was concerned in a stricken way at my grandmother's candour when she spied him. She was so right though: "tall dark and hot and nice package, and very sexy."
I survived another mocking Morelli encounter at the TPD in front of Ranger and his men. He was deliberately trying to provoke me. That moron just doesn't get it. Before Ranger could react, I had already nailed him with a mighty double fisted blow in the crown jewels. The look of awe and admiration was very evident from Ranger, his men and my friends in the TPD. Nice to be able to surprise them. I grinned. Hector taught me well. They loved it so much, that Lester obtained the video and it was shared at their next meeting. My reception was quite overwhelming at Rangeman the next day. Wow. Way to make a girl feel good. Ranger beamed at me, with pride.
Before we left the TPD carpark he held his arms wide open and it was such a natural, genuine thing to do. I needed a hug after that episode. It was so comfortable and I really didn't want to let go, but I did, reluctantly. He sure did smell good too. I may have nuzzled his neck.
And then he asked me for a date. "Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" I was so excited. I can't believe the girlie feels I had inside. I thought that was just a teenage hormonal phase, but it comes back. And he made it all the more desirable.
Sadly, I had to decline as I was already having dinner with Grandma on her first night in the apartment. He was disappointed too, but his face lit up when I said I'd take a raincheck. His response was calm as he said, he'd hold me to that. Nice. So, I kissed him lightly on the lips and reminded him that we should continue this from where we left off before. Omigod! I was doing it again. Being cryptic, teasing and playful. He brought it all out of me. Yep. I was pulling the tiger's tail and I know this tiger liked it, a lot.
Bloody Morelli! Talk about taking away my happy, again. He put more than a spanner in the works when he broke into Grandma's refurbished apartment while I was in the bathroom. She shot him in the kneecap. What a mess. She was excited but I needed to be with her in the ambulance going to St Francis. Ranger was concerned and checked me over for injuries too. Bless him. We both knew Morelli was after me. As promised, Ranger picked me up from St Francis later that evening and I have to admit I was in a bit of a daze. Seeing Grandma covered in blood took my breath away, but thankfully she was okay, but they kept her overnight for observation.
It took me a bit to realise I was in his nice Porsche. He smiled at my delayed reaction. I like that smile, warm and indulgent. I needed coffee, and he came up with the perfect solution. At first, I thought he was taking me to his work, but to my surprise, he did, but straight up to the sixth floor, with Ella and her husband Luis. It was so nice, so comforting and just what I needed. How did he know? I then I fell asleep leaning on him, feeling so good and relaxed. I was embarrassed. I think they understood that the events of the day finally caught up with me. I ending up sleeping at Ella's place, in the guest bedroom. That's also when I found out that Ranger lives on the seventh floor.
At the Bond's Office I was collecting my skip files. By the warm sensation and some tingling, I knew Ranger was there coming in. I like how he looks at me, tucking a stray curl behind my ear while gently rubbing my arms with his warm hands. I was almost purring. He had words with Vinnie, strong words, before I signalled for Ranger to follow me out into the laneway. After walking my fingers up from his abs, I grabbed his face and kissed those luscious lips and we went from tender to sizzling in an instant. Wow! When his hands cupped my ass I really wanted to jump his bones right there and then. Because I was feeling sassy and empowered, I turned and left him in the laneway, admitting that I'd been wanting to that since our first encounter. He was surprised that I walked away but concurred and I could tell he was also affected. We decided to meet at Shorty's to sort out the medium skips, sort of go 50:50. I wasn't going go back to doing just the low bonds.
I made it just on time for our lunch meeting no thanks to the punk who decided to set fire to my parent's front yard. So I looked a bit smudged and singed. He smiled that winning smile but I also detected concern. Hen he commented, "Looks like you had some fun this morning," to which I bumped his shoulder playfully thinking, "No shit, Sherlock!" But, it seems I said that out loud. The shit eating grin on his face was priceless. Me and my big mouth. Where's the filter when you need it?
oOoOo
TBC
Here are some of Stephanie's reflections on her encounters, especially with that special man who has already won her heart. I felt they needed an airing.
I thought, since you have already read other POVs and their observations and feelings about the Vixen that is Stephanie, her POV and feelings are just as important.
More of Stephanie's POV in Chapter 36 as their connection becomes more interesting ….
BTW
I had a little break from this story while I wrote a four chapter Valentine's Day story, called Dinner Dates. Check it out, if you haven't already.
Next chapter of Chance Encounters is already well mapped out.
